ObjectivesIn addition to the institutional and general education level learning objectives, the Bachelor of Arts in International Relations also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates. With reference to each of the respective areas of international relations, graduates in this degree program will be able to:
* Compare and contrast the political, economic, and military components of foreign policy decision making and analyze the impact of foreign policy on domestic decisions.
* Draw conclusions about the implications of foreign policy as it is currently applied to various regions of the world.
* Evaluate the "national interest" and how it is formulated, assess alternatives to current policies, and examine their likely impact on the United States, its allies, and other nations.
* Examine the theory, nature, and causes of war and their relationship to diplomacy; assess the contributions of diplomacy to accomplishment of war objectives.
* Critically assess the unique principles, structure, and organization of the major international organizations.
* Examine the prospects of governance by international organizations.
* Assess the economic and political processes in international development; diagnose social issues in international development; appraise the need for sustainable international development.
* Evaluate the multidimensional effects of globalization.
Course descriptionThis degree gives students an understanding of the world and analyzes the nature of modern global relationships. Scholars horrified by the events of World War I, founded the discipline of international relations. Through the study of past lessons learned in politics, economics, culture and history, students will debate and explore global economies, societies and cultures. This undergraduate program focuses on the central concerns of international relations - diplomacy, foreign policy analysis, international organizations, global development, and international relations theory. Students study the possibility of another world war and explore ways to prevent it. This degree provides an excellent foundation for careers in government agencies, the diplomatic service, international organizations, world trade, and finance and international media.